Myron Draper - Friend of Walsh
Myron Draper passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2017. A long-time friend of Walsh University, Myron was a go-getter who believed from an early age that with hard work, he could achieve his American Dream. Myron was an Eagle Scout and president of his senior class at North Canton Hoover High School, where he played four years of football and basketball. He went on to play football at Wittenberg University. He retired in 2004 after a 37-year career as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch. He believed that charity was as good for the giver as it was for the receiver. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Sandra (Stark) Draper and four children.
I didn't attend Walsh, and I never worked there. I'm not even Catholic. But I chose to give to Walsh University because of an enduring bond with my friend — one that has transcended time. You can count on one hand all the really true friends you have in a lifetime. Gary Farey was at the top of that list. And he died unexpectedly and way too early at the age of 54.
Gary was a member of Walsh's first graduating class and earned his accounting degree in 1964. A loving husband and father, Gary was a terrific person...an exceptional man with a wonderful personality.
Gary was also a strong advocate for Walsh and a loyal supporter of the University. We wanted to be sure that his memory, and his willingness to give, were sustained with the creation of the Gary Farey Endowed Scholarship. Gary came from a blue-collar family and wouldn't have been able to go to college if it hadn't been for the GI Bill.
Each year we carefully select our scholarship recipients, but not based solely on their academic records. It's easy for the very smart to get scholarship dollars. We wanted to help those "middle" students who are so often overlooked. Those students like Gary, who show a lot of potential but lack the means.
When Gary was a student, Walsh had only two buildings and 67 students. If he could see what has happened to Walsh over the years, I think he would be amazed.
He was already proud.